See what the experts are saying about Russia. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Calendar of events
All dates below are official holidays unless noted. December 25 is not a holiday in Russia. January 1-2: New Year's Day. This is the major holiday of the Russian year, a family event centered around a fir tree, a huge feast, and gift-givi... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane Russia's chief international carrier remains Aeroflot, the former Soviet behemoth. Delta is the only major U.S. airline that flies into Russia, though all major European carriers serve Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can often find g... Continue reading »
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Escorted & package tours
Packages for the Independent Traveler Before you start your search for the lowest airfare, you may want to consider booking your flight as part of a travel package. Package tours are not the same as escorted tours. Package tours are simply... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance Check your existing insurance policies and credit card coverage before you buy travel insurance. You may already be covered for lost luggage, canceled tickets, or medical expenses. The cost of travel insurance varies widel... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Entry Requirements International visitors' first experience of Russia is the costly, often frustrating process of getting a visa. Brace yourself, and remember that the rest of your Russian experience -- the exhilarating White Nights, the g... Continue reading »
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Getting around
By Train -- The most pleasant, romantic, and historic way to travel around Russia is by train. The Moscow-St. Petersburg route is the most frequented and best maintained. Travelers choose between a leisurely 8-hour night trip in a comfortable... Continue reading »
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Money
Though capitalism has brought Russia more in line with the economies of the West, money matters continue to vex visitors. Red caviar, symphony tickets, and haircuts can barely dent your wallet; rubbery pizza and roach-ridden hotels can drain... Continue reading »
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Staying safe
What About Terrorism? This is a sadly pertinent question for travel almost anywhere in this post-9/11 world. Russia's experiences with terrorism date back to the 19th century, when revolutionary bombers assassinated Czar Alexander II. The... Continue reading »
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Sustainable travel & ecotourism
Each time you take a flight or drive a car, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your CO2 emissions by the same amount you've added. Car... Continue reading »
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Tips on accommodations
Hotel options in Russia have come a long way from the days of the state agency Intourist's monopoly on serving foreigners, but the country still has far too few mid-range hotel rooms to satisfy demand. Luxury chains were quick to recognize th... Continue reading »
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Internet access
Travelers have any number of ways to check e-mail and access the Internet on the road. Of course, using your own laptop, PDA (personal digital assistant), or electronic organizer with a modem gives you the most flexibility. If you don't have... Continue reading »
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Using a cellphone
Cellphones The three letters that define much of the world's wireless capabilities are GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), a big, seamless network that makes for easy cross-border cellphone use throughout Europe and dozens of ot... Continue reading »
